With the increase in temperatures as we move into Spring and Summer, it is crucial that we protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It is astounding that a huge number of people do not take precautions against burning and the possibility of skin cancer, as well as other health risks. By taking some quick and easy steps, you can save yourself and your family a lot of discomfort from the likes of burns and heatstroke, and also keep the risk of skin cancer as low as possible.

Sun Block:

During the Spring and Summer, it is essential to apply sun screen. Acting as a barrier between the sun and the skin, it helps to reflect the harmful UV rays, which can cause burning, skin cancer, eye cancer, premature aging (sagging skin and wrinkles) and cataracts. Any one of these reasons alone is enough to warrant an application of cream, but it seems that many people are willing to gamble their health and play with literal fire. Using sunscreen is a necessity when being exposed to the sun.

There are several things to consider when deciding which SPF (Sunburn Protection Factor) cream you are going to use.

· Are you fair skinned? Those with darker skin have more natural protection against UV rays than those with fairer skin.
· Do you burn easily?
· What is the UV level for the day?
· What time of day will you be exposed? The sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm.
· How often will you reapply? If you were to wear a sun cream with a SPF of 15 at 1pm on a day with high UV levels, you would probably need to reapply every 10 minutes in order to stay protected, therefore a higher SPF would be highly recommended.

If when considering each of these things you still find yourself unsure, SPF 30 is sufficient in most circumstances if reapplied every hour. However, you may need a higher SPF for parts of the body that may burn very easily, such as ears and nose. Remember to apply your sun cream half an hour before exposing your skin to the sun in order to allow sufficient absorption. 30-40g is sufficient for an adult, whereas a child will need around 20g in order to cover the body.

When applying your protection, do remember to coat every part of your body that is visible, especially the back of the neck and feet, which are commonly forgotten. Do not use sun cream on lips but a product that is especially designed for lips with sun protection. Do also remember that hair needs protection as it can become dried-out and brittle. There are various products available for this purpose.

Sun cream is available to buy from all chemists and supermarkets. Priced economically, it is a must-have purchase for any day when UV levels are considered to be a concern.

UV Levels:

UV Levels should be considered when venturing out into sunshine. Local weather channels and websites should give details of UV Levels, indicating the level of risk to your skin: The higher the level, the higher the risk.

Wear Appropriate Clothing:

Clothing is important when temperatures are high. Wear loosely fitting clothes, sunglasses and a hat in order to prevent overheating, overexposure and heatstroke. This may seem like an obvious suggestion but most people fail to wear hats in particular, which can lead to a painfully burnt scalp and heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Drink Drink Drink:

Ensure you stay hydrated during warm spells. It is important to drink large amounts of fluids - not alcohol - to ensure you do not suffer from dehydration.

In Conclusion:

We all love the sunshine and nothing beats nicely tanned skin. However, healthy skin is beautiful skin, and health should not be sacrificed in the name of beauty.